abuelos
/abwelos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "grandmother and grandfather" is translated into Spanish as abuelos.
The parents of one's father or mother, referred to collectively.
Which one should you use?
While abuelos can mean "grandparents" collectively, it can also mean "grandfathers" if referring to a group of only males.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Andalusia, Spain, the term yayo is used informally for grandpa.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular feminine form abuela refers specifically to a grandmother. The singular masculine form abuelo refers specifically to a grandfather. The masculine plural form abuelos is used to refer to a group consisting of both grandmothers and grandfathers.
How do you pronounce it?
/abwelos/
When do people say it?
It is customary to use the formal pronoun usted when speaking directly to grandparents to show respect.
Did you know?
- In some traditional Spanish families, grandchildren might address their abuelos as don or doña followed by their first name to combine affection with extreme formal respect.
- The diminutive form abuelita is so common that it is often used as a term of endearment for any elderly woman, regardless of whether she is actually a grandmother.
- The diminutive suffix in terms like abuelita changes the meaning from a description of size to a marker of emotional tenderness.
Examples in context
- Visitaré a mi yaya en Sevilla.I will visit my grandma in Seville.
- Mis abuelos viven en España.My grandparents live in Spain.
- Mis abuelos viven en Madrid.My grandparents live in Madrid.
- Los abuelos siempre nos dan dulces.Grandparents always give us sweets.
- ¿Cómo están tus abuelos?How are your grandparents?
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are talking about their families over coffee.
- MateoVoy a visitar a mis abuelos este fin de semana.I am going to visit my grandparents this weekend.
- Elena¡Qué bueno! ¿Están sanos tus abuelos?That's great! Are your grandparents healthy?
- MateoSí, ellos están muy bien.Yes, they are doing very well.
- ElenaMe alegro mucho por ellos.I am very happy for them.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
